By Dave Babbitt – Special to the Sydenham Current
Two columns ago I wrote about the cost of winning and related it to the WDSS Drama students whose production of “The Way Home” was selected as “Outstanding Production” in the Lambton-Kent National Theater School competition.
Their success enabled the production to move on to the regional level of the competition in Hamilton.
The point I attempted to make was that this fine troupe of young people were suddenly faced with significant travel and accommodation costs to participate in the competition on April 22nd past.
It would be a travesty for an organization of any kind to be successful in a competition but financially unable to move on to the next level.
I also suggested that if this were a sports team, financial support would likely come from many directions, but being an arts organization, support would likely be less “enthusiastic”.
I’m happy to say that Wallaceburg proved me wrong as the troupe presented a public performance on April 9th, collecting freewill donations that enabled them to head to Hamilton for the next level of the competition.
I was doubly thrilled last Friday when Teacher, and Producer Nicki Lane texted me to say that they were one of 2 productions selected to move on to the Provincial Showcase to be held at York University May 20–23!
In terms of individual recognition, Oliver Gray won an award of excellence for “Comedic Performance”, and the entire cast was recognized with an Award of Merit for “Group Performance in Comedy”.
As I wrote, “winning is expensive” and the troupe is suddenly once again in need of raising significant funds to attend the Provincial Showcase.
Nicki told me that at this point, it’s estimated that they will need to raise more than $10,000 to go, and that time is not on their side.
Once again, they will present a fund-raising public performance on Thursday May 14th at WDSS with doors opening at 6 pm.
I’m urging readers to support this incredible troupe of young people by taking-in the presentation and donating generously.
They are suggesting a donation of $5 but I will suggest that most can be much more generous than that.
And in referring to my column of two weeks ago, I rest my case in suggesting that Wallaceburg become the home for a Lambton-Kent Board-wide specialized Arts School.
Now that the great weather in knocking on our door, it’s time to start thinking about what concerts/events I’d like to take-in this coming summer.
Summer sees many outdoor Music Festivals, but there are also many indoor and outdoor venues that present individual artists all season long, some even stretching into the fall.
For people in this area, Pine Knob has been a destination of choice for decades because of its proximity to us and the amazing line-up of major artists in and out for one-night stands.
If time any money was no object, I’d be rushing to Pine Knob to catch The Doobie Brothers, The Guess Who, Hank Williams Jr., and Larry Peters will be happy to hear that I’m planning on catching Willie Nelson.
For those avoiding the USA (which I respect), some of those acts can also be seen in Toronto.
I’ve long had a burning desire to see Paul Simon who like several artists “retired” several years ago, but he is once again hitting the road, so that is a very real possibility.
On May 15th, I’m once again going to see Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass at Massey Hall in Toronto.
I wrote about my trip to Grand Rapids a year ago to catch the man who inspired me to take-up the trumpet in 1967 and the tears that fell from my welled-up eyes when he took to the stage.
Herb is now 91 years old and can still play extremely well. He doesn’t hit the highest notes anymore (he has a crack youngster with him to handle those notes) but his tone is still gorgeous, and his music: timeless.
Closer to home, The Colosseum at Caesars in Windsor is inviting me to catch Weird Al Yankovic, Walk Off the Earth, and John Fogerty.
And there are all kinds of more local music offering such as Glencoe’s “Sunday’s at the Station”, the beachside theatre in Grand Bend, the Sunday evening Church Concerts in the Park in Dresden, the Summer Concert Series on Thursday nights at the beautiful Talbot Trail Place in Blenheim, and hopefully (unannounced yet) the Dresden Rotary Club’s “Summer Concert Series” on Thursday nights again.
In moving away from music, I admit I’m not a big theatre buff but when I can be convinced to go, I usually love it.
On the big stage, Stratford is once again presenting the musical “Something Rotten” which strangely, was presented a mere two years ago.
I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews of the production and must see it this time around.
In a nutshell, it is a musical comedy set in 1595 as two brothers attempt to produce a hit play while competing with the ever-popular, William Shakespeare and in attempting to outdo Willy, they create the world’s first musical.
And I understand that it is extremely funny as it spoofs Shakespeare using language of the time.
Drayton Entertainment is once again presenting full slate of productions at the six theatres they manage so be sure to check them out as well.
Though our Wallaceburg Concert Band rests for the months of June, July, and August, that’s when I’ll be perusing hundreds of new scores as I begin planning beyond our 10th Anniversary Greatest Hits series of concerts, for spring 2027.
Music needs to be chosen and ordered months in advance to have it on time for early January rehearsals.
The summer will also see lots of planning for our “Greatest Hits: Volume 3” to be presented on October 4th.
And be sure to attend “Greatest Hits: Volume 2” on May 31st at WDSS as we will be making a special announcement about the October concert.
For Big Band fans, the Brass Factory is currently “resting” as the WCB is taking up the lions share of my time, however there is potential for a fall appearance and mid-June, I’ll be able to share a special announcement.
In the meantime, I’m off to get my big band fix in London tomorrow evening with The Baddest Big Band.
